Ethiopian Aviation Market to Expand by 226 Percent: IATA

ENA,March 5/2012 Ethiopia’s air transport market will expand by 226 percent over the next 20 years, International Air Transport Association (IATA) said. 

The latest IATA’s economic report revealed that air transport and foreign tourists arriving by air currently support 5.7 percent of Ethiopia’s GDP valued at 4.2 billion USD and about 1.1 million jobs.

According to the report, the sustained prioritization of air transport, connectivity and tourism as a strategic asset would support an additional 900,000 jobs and at least USD 9.3 billion of GDP by 2037.

If current trends persist, Ethiopia’s air transport market will expand by 226 percent over the next 20 years, with annual passenger journeys increasing from 7.2 million in 2017 to 23.5 million a year by 2037, the report anticipated.  

IATA recommended Ethiopia to implement the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) in order to further promote the nation's aviation growth and bring even more value to the country stating that Ethiopia's commitment to SAATM is positive for African aviation.

The report stated that ongoing efforts by the Government of Ethiopia to increase SAATM adoption among other Africa states will provide a significant boost for aviation in the country and throughout the continent.

The International Air Transport Association has also urged the government to further ensure future infrastructure investments to maximize the economic and social benefits of connectivity.

“For the country to retain its competitive position, future infrastructure investments should align with industry growth, be demand driven, fit for purpose and deliver required service levels at acceptable costs for users,” IATA’s reports highlighted.